As the title says I was wondering if anyone could help me out with figuring out how to tell how many NM miles you are at any given time during flight from the destination air port.
As of now I only get how many NM I am from the next way point on the flight plan
The reason I would like to know this is because I use the FBW A320 and I have been learning how and when to properly decent. Problem is when I figure out how many NM Out I should began my decent from the destination airport, I never know when I am that many miles out because I only know how far I am from the next way point.
If anyone has a way to see this I would appreciate the help. Apologies if any of this reads odd. I work night shift and I am a little tired!
Thanks!
Specifically for the A320 (although the concept applies to other aircraft too), the F-PLN page of the MCDU gives you this info. Against each waypoint is the distance, and the total distance remaining is shown at the bottom.
You can also find the distance to any waypoint using the PROG page, by entering a waypoint into the right hand column.
Additionally, if you “created the flight plan”, then you have a list of the waypoints/intersections/vor’s etc. So, you could just figure out how far the “specific waypoint” is when you need to start descent. If inputting into CDU=FMC/S system of plane, then the legs page should tell you on the right side of the screen (assume close to Boeing type) with speed and down arrows telling you when descent starts. But I am newbie on this system, and only leaned that last night watching a video on YT.
I’d assume that flying an A320 (more so the FBW version which is aimed at hardcore users) would include mandatory flight plan preparation via Simbrief or other similar means, which would produce an OFP report. The latter will show the distance to the destination airport from any given point:
Not sure about the heavies (not in my wheelhouse) but I use LittleNavMap for plan and track progress on a separate screen. Distance and time to waypoints and destination are easily tracked with the Aircraft tab.
Well, I did a short hop flight from PDX (Portland OR) to SEA (Seattle WA) and it worked flawlessly!
I found the distance to the destination like you all described above at the bottom of the flight plan screen. Checked it periodically as it counted down. Once I reached my estimated point of decent, I descended smoothly into the overcast clouds/shower of Seattle!
I’m so happy I don’t have to guess have a horrible decent anymore! Thanks again for the help!
I have the same question this post is helpful but the distance that it shows in my MCDU does not change or counts down it is constan from Seattle intl. to San Francisko.
Is it something im missing out here? Anyone else with the same issue?
Unfortunately, none of the default airliners have this display active.
If you are on a PC, I highly recommend you get the free FBW A320.
It’s easy to install as it has its own installer, and is quite lifelike.
It is actually easier to manage than the default, as pretty well everything works as it is supposed to.
